Jul 25 Karnivool - 'Aysmmetry'

It’s been just over four years since Perth metal
outfit Karnivool released “Sound Awake”, their second full length. In that time
the band toured relentlessly and frontman Ian Kenny released three albums
(including a live album) with his other group “Birds of Tokyo”. It is obvious
on listening to new release “Asymmetry” that the rest of Karnivool haven’t
exactly been sitting around picking their noses either though.

Just as “Sound Awake” was a departure from their
2005 debut “Themata”, “Asymmetry” is a step forward from “Sound Awake”;
embracing the progressive side of metal even more so than its predecessor. The
band has constructed a set of songs of immense sonic depth and diversity. The
most striking aspect of the album is the band’s ability to show restraint in
their playing, allowing songs to breathe and develop naturally rather than
force extra instrumentation on top of a song to push it forward. It’s something
that good progressive bands do very well and it’s something that Karnivool have
accomplished with aplomb here.

Assisting the wonderful space that the compositions
are afforded is nicely used ambient and electronic flourishes and very well
balanced production from Nick DiDia (best known for his work with
Powderfinger). Under his guidance, Ian Kenny’s voice has become much more of a focus
than on previous albums, where the crushing guitars and drums often somewhat
drowned out his prodigious and recognizable rock voice. This is not to say that
the band doesn’t unleash some metal fury from time to time. They are definitely
still the same band that produced “Themata” all those years ago.

Another notable aspect of the album is its decidedly
dark feel, both lyrically and musically. Apocalyptic themes flow through the
majority of the songs and musically there are parts which are gloomy enough to
make you feel slightly uncomfortable. The off-kilter guitar intro to “A.M. War”
is a prime example. I wouldn’t go as far to say that it’s a concept album but
it’s definitely very cohesive; considerably more so than “Sound Awake”, which
is saying something.

Like its predecessor, “Asymmetry” reaches some of
its highest points during the longer tracks. “Aeons”, “Sky Machine” and “Alpha” all come in at over seven minutes in length, yet they are 3 of the 5
strongest songs on the 14 track album. The latter is particularly impressive
and a closes the album out magnificently as the last proper song. To put the
excellence of these tracks in perspective, only the superb “New Day” on “Sound
Awake” could hold a candle to their ambition and execution. The two other
standouts are the very good first single “We Are” (a grower if ever there was
one!) and the huge “Nachash”, which comes thundering in after the ambient
opening track. Unlike both their previous albums, not a single song feels out
of place and the album is consistent throughout, with the second half just as
strong as the first, a possible down-falling of its two predecessors.

In the past, one of the rods for the back of
Karnivool is their constant comparison to two other bands, namely Birds of
Tokyo and Tool. On the back of their last two albums, Kenny’s other band have
well and truly hit the mainstream (they will support Muse on their Australian
Tour later this year), unfortunately they have done this by manoeuvring into a
more radio-friendly, somewhat watered down version of themselves. However, what
this has done has caused Karnivool to be measured constantly against Birds by
the general listening public. Many fans of Birds have expressed dislike or
indifference towards the progressive, darker and more challenging ‘Vool.

The other great measuring stick for Karnivool
(especially since “Sound Awake”) has been progressive kingpins Tool. The
American outfit are rightfully seen as one of the finest modern progressive
metal bands in the world and Karnivool definitely makes more than a few nods to
their sound.

On “Asymmetry” though, Karnivool have gone a long
way to throwing off the leashes that have been holding them back. They have
proved unequivocally that they are a more accomplished and adventurous band
than Birds of Tokyo, have almost completely closed the gap to Tool and most
importantly have shown they are one of the most forward thinking, talented and
challenging progressive bands in the world. This astounding album is evidence
of that.